Grand Choice heads to Downshire East this Autumn
October 14, 2022
Local residents or groups in the Downshire East area of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council can apply for up to £1,000 via the ‘Grand Choice’ participatory budgeting initiative from 17th October 2022.
The key difference between Grand Choice and other council managed funding opportunities is that the successful projects are chosen by the community. The votes of those living in Downshire East will decide which projects will be funded.
Councillor Aaron McIntyre, Leisure & Community Development Chairman, said: “Once again the council is proud to be supporting this scheme. There is £15,000 available for projects across the council’s district electoral area of Downshire East. This includes the Ballymabrennan, Dromara, Drumbo, Hillhall and Ravernet areas.
“As with previous rounds of Grand Choice, successful projects can win up to £1,000 and will be chosen by their local community. Voting will be in person at a Community Decision Event on Saturday 3 December 2022 at a venue to be confirmed from 11.00am – 3.00pm. We encourage residents in the Downshire East area to use their voting power to select the projects they feel best suit their communities.”
Eligible projects should relate to one or more of the following themes:
- Connect with other people
- Be physically active
- Take notice of yourself and the world around you
- Learn new skills
- Give to others
- Policing and community safety
All projects must be completed between December 2022 and February 2023.
Councillor John Gallen, Chair of the Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP, said: “To date Grand Choice has been a great success in the Killultagh, Castlereagh East and Castlereagh South, Downshire West and Lisburn South areas. It offers the perfect opportunity for residents, constituted groups and schools to bring a project or event to their local community. If you and a few friends have an idea to support your local community then I would encourage you to consider applying.
“You can apply for up to £1,000 for things such as online or in-person activities, events, tutors, workshops, performers or specialist facilitator. Should you have a specific community issue that needs addressed then you could request funding for marketing campaigns or equipment for projects. If your group is not constituted you must obtain sponsor support from a local constituted group.
“All applications will be assessed to ensure they meet the criteria and are achievable within the specified timeframe. Following assessment applicants be will contacted regarding participation at the community showcase event in December. Our communities have the power to decide where the Grand Choice funding goes.
“Three online workshops have been scheduled to help you decide if your project would be eligible for ‘Grand Choice’ funds. Please join us and talk to the team who will be happy to answer your questions,” concluded Councillor Gallen.
The scheduled community zoom workshops are scheduled for:
- Tuesday 25 October 2022 at 7.00pm
- Wednesday 26 October 2022 at 3.00pm
- Thursday 27 October 2022 at 7.00pm
To register to attend one of the workshop sessions please email: pcsp@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk
The council and its partners intend to undertake the final round of Grand Choice in Lisburn North with a community based voting event taking place early in 2023. The pilot phase took place in Killultagh in February 2020 and online for Castlereagh East and Castlereagh South in June 2021 and Downshire West in April and Lisburn South in October 2022.
Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP, Sport NI, South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust and Northern Ireland Housing Executive have contributed to the scheme in addition to the council.
To apply online or to download an application form please go to www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/grandchoicede before Sunday 13 November 2022.